If you're considering a move to and would like expert guidance on finding the best neighborhood to buy a home in Soquel for your lifestyle, I am here to help! As a second generation top Santa Cruz real estate agent that has lived in almost every part of the County, I know this area from stem to stern. Santa Cruz County is equally as good a place to retire as it is to raise a family, with a multitude of amenities and activities for every stage of life that allow for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Please peruse my neighborhood guides and BLOG and don’t hesitate to reach out for more insights into each of our wonderful neighborhoods, including tips only a born-and-raised local would know! From microclimates to commute times, childcare resources, outdoor activities, and community events, consider me your personal concierge when it comes to moving to Santa Cruz and living the good life.
About Soquel Real Estate
Soquel is an unincorporated coastal town located in Santa Cruz County, just inland of Capitola Village. Soquel is a quaint town for its sunny weather, picturesque village, rolling hills, and a wonderful climate that make it perfect for winemakers growing grapes. Soquel offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Soquel is a small area of under 10,000 residents across the following neighborhoods: Soquel Village, Blue Ball Park/Hilltop, Crystal Heights, Cherryvale/Main St, and Old San Jose Rd corridor. Soquel real estate features a wide range of property types, including Victorian homes, condos, and ranch-style family homes. For information on the Santa Cruz short term rental ordinance and how it pertains to Soquel homes, click here. In 2022, 105 homes were sold in Soquel, with an average price of $1.3 million for a single-family home and $800,000 for a townhome or condo.*
Here is more information on some of the main neighborhoods in Soquel:
Soquel Village - This is a darling area leading up Main St to the open acreage of Cherryvale. It has two elementary schools and is easy access to Capitola.
Blue Ball Park/Hilltop - larger 3+ bedroom homes backing up to Soquel High off of Old San Jose Rd. Sitting above Soquel village some homes in this area have lovely sweeping views.
Crystal Heights - This easy to access area off Soquel Drive offers many 3-4 bedroom single family homes that are well priced for their size compared to homes just a few minutes closer to the beach in Capitola.
Mobile Home Parks - There are many affordable mobile home parks in Soquel
Old San Jose Rd - Open rolling hills makes this a desirable area for wineries and larger ranch-style homes and properties. Good commute location to highway 17 and highway 1, despite feeling rural.
Soquel real estate boasts a diverse selection of properties and price points. With its strong sense of community and picturesque surroundings, Soquel is an ideal place to call home. Explore Soquel homes for sale and other properties with our expert team today!
*Data from MLSListings
Demographics for Soquel, CA
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and MLSListings.
$1.3m
Average Home Price
25.8 minutes
Avg. Commute
10,549
Population
73.2%
Homeownership Rate
What to Love
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Historic downtown area
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Friendly community atmosphere
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Beautiful natural surroundings
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A variety of dining and shopping options
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Outdoor recreational opportunities
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Antique stores
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Wine-growing region with temperate climate
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Soquel Village, the historic downtown area of Soquel, offers an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined streets and explore the numerous unique shops, cafes, and restaurants that contribute to the town's charm. Soquel is famous for great antique stores!
Where to Eat:
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Home Restaurant - A funky and fresh farm to table eatery offering delicious comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients. Both indoor and outdoor dining.
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Tortilla Flats - A popular Mexican restaurant serving a variety of traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere.
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The Kitchen at Discretion Brewing - Located within Discretion Brewing, this restaurant offers a selection of locally sourced, organic dishes designed to pair perfectly with the brewery's craft beers.
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Cafe Cruz - A great dinner and lunch spot with large, seasonal menu
Where to Drink:
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VinoCruz - A sophisticated wine bar, VinoCruz offers a wide range of local Santa Cruz Mountains wines. It's a great place to relax with friends while exploring regional vintages, and they often host wine tasting events and winemaker dinners.
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Discretion Brewing - Variety of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and ales. They often feature seasonal and limited-release brews as well. Their beer garden, known as the "Beer Shed," is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors.
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Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House -Laid-back beer garden and bottle shop offer a wide selection of craft beers on tap as well as in bottles and cans. The outdoor seating area is pet-friendly, and there are lawn games.
Where to Work While Sipping Coffee:
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The Ugly Mug - Independent coffee shop is known for its excellent coffee, friendly staff, and comfortable atmosphere.
Things to Do
Soquel offers a variety of recreational and leisure activities for locals and visitors. Here are some things to do when visiting Soquel:
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Explore Soquel Village - Stroll through Soquel Village, the town's historic downtown area, and discover the unique shops, restaurants, and cafes that give this small town its charm.
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Visit local wineries - The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to numerous wineries, and Soquel is no exception. Visit local wineries such as Soquel Vineyards, Bargetto Winery, Wright Station, Burrell School, and Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery to taste the local wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
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Antique shopping - Soquel is known for its antique shops, offering a variety of vintage and collectible items. Spend an afternoon browsing the stores, like Soquel Village Antiques and The Trove, to find unique treasures.
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Outdoor activities - Enjoy the beautiful weather and natural surroundings of Soquel by spending time outdoors. Hike or bike the nearby trails at Land of Medicine Buddha, visit nearby parks like Anna Jean Cummings Park, or take a short drive (or bike ride) to one of many local beaches just a few minutes away.
